Phil Januszewski is a dynamic keynote speaker dedicated to spreading positivity and well-being. Many years ago, he worked as a line cook and decided he loved food too much to make a meal for people and not see them enjoy it. He brought his passion for food into the high school physics classroom, where he taught for over a decade. Now, Phil is embarking on a career as a professional speaker. He's already been on the circuit for many years, part of the duo M&P Presentations, with fellow educator Matt Matkovich. I caught up with Phil at his home outside of Chicago to chat and break bread. We talked about our mutual love of cooking and how it creates community and links us to our past. Also on this episode, Matt also complains about his sore legs after one game of softball and the natural high of springtime!

Is public speaking a natural high? How about a traveling around and being paid to speak? This episode's guest is a longtime professional speaker and friend, Ty Sells. After decades on the stage, Ty knows as well as anyone the highs and lows of public speaking. The episode takes place during Matt and Ty's training for prevention specialists in Columbus, Ohio. Ty brings energy, genuine humor and heart to everything he does. He's been working with young people and adults for over thirty years. He believes change comes through connection and connecting with audiences is his specialty. If you like what you hear, check out more of Ty's work at Youth-Led Drug Prevention and Leadership - Youth to Youth International. Editor's Note: To jump right to the interview, go to 6:51.

In this episode, Matt bikes alongside Shahram Hejazi, Princeton professor, entrepreneur and investor. Shahram reflects on his first few years in America and what it's like to live alone at 15 years old! We learn about his philosophy of "things could always be worse" and how that helps in him today. In addition, Matt sums up his packed week of natural highs and lows traveling throughout New Jersey and to Chicago. Editor's Note: To jump right to the interview, go to 9:51.

Performing stand-up comedy can be a powerful natural high. Join Dr. Matt as he interviews veteran comedian Joe Matarese (Last Comic Standing, Late Show with David Letterman), exploring when stand-up comedy delivers a natural high for him. For Joe, delivering self-deprecating humor keeps him in the moment and makes it easier to "try not to try." Also, find out about Dr. Matt's gigs this week and where he ate the best risotto of his life. Editor's Note: To jump to the interview, go to 6:17 on the recording.

Follow Dr. Matt into the Russian Spa with Ed Stelmach and friends. The interview is a little light on this one because everyone's brains were boiling. The episode takes you through the Russian Spa experience, which is helpful if you decide to go because it's a bit chaotic. Dr. Matt also reviews his highs and lows of the week speaking in New Jersey and Northern California. Editor's Note: If you'd like to skip right to the interview, jump to 10:15.

Explore the runner's high in the first episode of the Better High Podcast! Listen as Dr. Matt Bellace bikes next to musician and MLS Senior Manager Andrew Hill. The conversation explores the impact of running on mental health, social connections and focus. Also, find out what it was like for Dr. Matt to speak at his son's high school and deal with the "traffic to nowhere in Houston." Editors note: If you'd like to skip right to the interview, jump to 7:40.

What if the best highs in life didn't come from substances, but from experiences, and the world around us? The Better High Podcast is the show that explores the science, stories, and strategies behind natural highs - the moments that make us feel alive, energized and deeply connected.

Join Dr Matt Bellace and his guests as they dive deep into the psychology of happiness, the thrill of adventure, the power of human connection and the simple joys that elevate our mood naturally.

If you're looking for a fresh perspective on feeling good, this is the show for you. Tune in and discover the Better High Podcast.